Fig. 7. The phases of burn care.

Acute care for severe burns can be compartmentalized into five distinct phases that overlap during the first days to weeks after burn injury. Phase I is the initial assessment and triage, in which the injurious cause is removed and the primary and secondary surveys are conducted. Phase II is focused on fluid resuscitation to address hypovolaemia. In phase III, the wound is covered to promote healing and reduce infection risk. Phase IV focuses on supportive or critical care. If the patient survives, phase V of care focuses on rehabilitation, which includes physical and mental health support to enable the patient in returning to regular life. IV, intravenous; TBSA, total body surface area.